Where To See Santa In Highland Park Area This Christmas Season

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Santa Claus is sleighing his way across the North Shore this holiday season, bringing joy, photos and plenty of ho, ho, ho's to local families around Highland Park and Highwood.

Whether the little elves are feeling naughty or nice, these events are the perfect way to make spirits bright amid the snow and ice.

From breakfasts to parades to reindeer visits, these festive Santa sightings are sure to have the whole workshop fa-la-la-ing into the holiday spirit.

Here are some of the spots in the north suburbs where you can catch jolly old St. Nick in person spreading holiday cheer, starting right after Thanksgiving:

Lake Forest’s 40th Annual Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration
When: Nov. 29, 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Market Square, Lake Forest
Enjoy kids' activities, live performances, and a visit with Santa Claus. Santa will be available from 3:15 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the lights will glow after a performance by the Lake Forest Dance Academy.
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Cookie & Cocoa Crawl
When: Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Jens Jensen Park, 540 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park
Kick off the holiday season by visiting Ravinia District businesses to collect festive cookies, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy holiday tunes. Start at Jens Jensen Park to pick up a cookie bag and redemption tickets.
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Santa Storytime at Giggles
When: Dec. 7
Where: Giggles Play, 328 Green Bay Road, Highwood
Enjoy storytime with Santa, a Santa hat, a hot cocoa and cookie bar, and a storybook exchange. Infants under 12 months and adults are free with a paid ticket. Space is limited.
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Santa at Chalet in Lake Forest
When: Dec. 7, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Chalet Nursery, 695 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest
Bring the family to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, share your wish list, and take a holiday photo during this festive event.
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Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast with Santa
When: Dec. 7, 7 a.m.–12 p.m.
Where: Grace United Methodist Church, Lake Bluff
Pancakes, sausage, and Santa! This family-friendly breakfast is a beloved Lake Bluff tradition. Advance tickets are $10 per person; children under 3 are free.
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Breakfast with Santa at Lambs Farm
When: Dec. 7–15 (Saturdays and Sundays), Seatings at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and noon
Where: Magnolia Café & Bakery, Libertyville
Enjoy brunch, photos with Santa, and holiday crafts for kids. Tickets are $18.95 per person; kids under 2 are $7.95.
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Winter Wanderland 2024
When: Dec. 7, 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Where: Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
Take a festive stroll through holiday-themed scenes, meet Santa, and enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, and a goodie bag. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the event.
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Dickens of a Holiday in Libertyville
When: Dec. 7 and Dec. 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Downtown Libertyville
Santa will be in Cook Park spreading cheer, with photos available from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–3 p.m. Kids can shop for gifts at the Children’s Holiday Shoppe, while families enjoy Victorian Tea and other festive activities.
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Annual Santa Parade
When: Dec. 7, starting at 2 p.m.
Where: Throughout Libertyville
Grab a spot on the Santa tracker map to watch the parade. Santa’s sleigh will make its way through residential streets and parks, spreading holiday cheer.
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Santa at Chalet Wilmette
When: Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15
Where: Chalet Nursery, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus to share your wish list and snap a festive photo. Appointments are already all booked up, but walk-ins are still welcome.
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The Grove Christmas Candlelight Tours
When: Dec. 13
Where: The Grove National Historic Landmark, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview
Take a guided candlelight tour of the 1856 Kennicott House, hear stories of 19th-century holiday traditions, and end with a visit and gift from Santa.
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Muller Subaru’s Santa Photos
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 14
Where: Muller Subaru, 1350 Park Ave. W., Highland Park
Capture holiday memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus at this festive event benefiting Heartland Animal Shelter. Bring your pets for a photo in the open-air booth and enjoy a complimentary hot cocoa bar. A $20 suggested donation supports the shelter's life-saving mission.
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Santa is Coming to Madame ZuZu’s
When: Dec. 14–15, 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Madame ZuZu’s, 1876 1st St., Highland Park
Snap holiday Polaroids with Santa while enjoying hot cocoa, festive activities, and shopping. Polaroids must be purchased for photo opportunities.
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Christmas Town at Summerfield Farm and Zoo
When: Nov. 16–Dec. 22, Weekends
Where: 3088 Flora Rd., Belvidere
Meet Santa, visit the reindeer barn, and enjoy holiday activities, including crafts and "Reindeer Flight School." Tickets are $16 per person; kids under 1 are free.
More info »

Santa is also holding court at several shopping malls in the north suburbs, including:

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
When: Through Dec. 24
Where: Gurnee Mills, Gurnee
Enjoy free photos with Santa, crafts, and festive activities for the whole family.
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Photos with Santa at Hawthorn Mall
When: Through Dec. 24
Where: 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills
Santa is available for photos daily, with special pet and sensory-friendly sessions on select dates.
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Santa at Northbrook Court
When: Through Dec. 24
Where: 1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook
Santa is stationed near Neiman Marcus for photos by appointment.
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Westfield Old Orchard Santa Photos in Trolley Park
When: Nov. 29–Dec. 24
Where: Trolley Park, Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie
Take photos with Santa at Trolley Park while enjoying festive treats from the Candy Cane Station. Special events include Santa Cares (sensory-friendly visits) on Dec. 8 and Santa Paws on Dec. 9 and 16 for pet photos with Santa. Reservations are recommended for photos.
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Fashion Outlets of Chicago Santa’s Winter Wonderland
When: Nov. 15–Dec. 24
Where: Center Court near the Food Court, Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont
Families can visit Santa for free, with photo packages available and special sensory-friendly sessions on Dec. 8. Reservations are recommended to minimize wait times.
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